George Pickens is the answer to an Explosive Passing Game!

George Pickens is one of Georgia’s most explosive receivers on the roster. He has drawn comparisons to a former Georgia great like AJ Green. Green is considered one of the best Georgia receivers of all-time because of his playmaking ability in the vertical passing game.

Pickens brings many of the same abilities and attributes that Green brought to Athens in the late 2000s. Pickens was one of the highest-rated receivers in the 2019 recruiting class, which brought a lot of hype to Athens.

Ever since he flipped his commitment on signing day from Auburn to Georgia, the hype has gone through the roof. Pickens is one of the most talented receivers whenever he steps on the field. What makes him so good is the ability to win a 50-50 ball over a smaller cornerback.

After a freshman season filled with ups and downs, he was being touted for a big step forward in his sophomore season. Many in the media predicted George to become the first Georgia receiver to reach 1,000 yards in a season since Terrence Edwards. Notably, Terrence Edwards is the only UGA receiver ever to achieve that statistic.

With the turnover throughout most, the offense, including critical roles like quarterback and receiver George, does not have the impact we all thought.

With Stetson Bennett the starting quarterback, he more prone to spread the ball around to multiple different targets. The “Mailman” is delivering the mail to many other receivers who have seen the breakout of Kearis Jackson. True freshman Jermaine Burton has even made plays for the Dawgs early on this season.

The system that has been installed in Athens under Todd Monken is filed with air raid concepts. We have seen Georgia spread out their receivers and go into more 12 personnel sets (1 running back two tight ends). The purpose of the air raid is to spread out the defense, forcing them to cover multiple receivers. This spreading of the defense allows the quarterback to attack the defense in many different areas with the unique, complex route trees ran by the receivers.

Ball distribution and quick and easy completions in the passing game has been a strength of Stetson Bennett. Georgia’s passing has been effective through the first three and a ½ games. The offense has lacked the explosive plays that make teams like Alabama and Clemson special. But Georgia has the talent to be 3-1 at this point.

Georgia can finish this season 6-0 if they keep playing the way they have so far. But for Georgia to get over the hump and win an SEC Championship, they have to be more explosive on offense. So how do they become more explosive?

One of the ways to becoming explosive is by finding a reliable receiver. Pickens can be just that for Georgia in big moments. The next part of the process would be game-planning and scheming things up to get George the ball.

While Pickens brings many unique qualities to the wide receiver room at Georgia, one of his most significant weak spots from the media members has been his limited route tree. Pickens runs a hitch, back-shoulder fade, and a few other routes very well. Other than sending him on a “go route,” we haven’t seen Pickens’ route tree develop.

Georgia under Todd Monken has seemed to have Pickens running the same routes throughout the game without mixing it up. While the perception is the coaching staff doesn’t have him doing anything too special. The counter is the coaches are putting him in situations in which he thrives.

While Pickens may not be the most dynamic receiver, who can turn the regular 5-10 yard slant route into a scoring play, he is a weapon that is best used when given the ball. I would like to see Pickens given more opportunities in the vertical passing game and even in the short game.

Give George the football, and things will happen that was shown in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia has the personnel to host an explosive offensive unit; they just need to unlock the immense amount of potential in their star receiver.